Chapter 17
Mirian sat forward slightly on her throne, resting her chin on her knuckles, studying the group before her.
Lace spoke next, his silver hair gleaming under the light. "Captain Lace Ribaiasan of the Church of Death, at your service, Your Majesty."
Gyra spoke gracefully, her blue hair falling in a soft wave over her shoulder. "Gyra Caspian, Your Majesty." Stunned by the empress beauty she was signing praises in her head about how pretty she was.
Adian tried to speak but stumbled awkwardly, he had never seen someone so beautiful he didn't know how to act. "A-Adian, Your Majesty! Executioner Corps! Huge honor! Big—big honor!"
Mirian allowed herself the smallest of smirks before masking it again with a neutral expression.
"You may rise," she said, her voice smooth and commanding.
They stood as one.
Mirian's eyes fell back on Basil, lingering there longer than necessary. His brown hair, wild and untamed, caught the light beautifully. His posture was relaxed, almost casual, yet there was an unmistakable strength in the way he stood—coiled, controlled, dangerous.
No wonder the reports made him sound unhinged, she thought. There's an aura to him that's different than anything I've seen before, a weight.
Julie apeared at her side, holding a scroll. She unfurled it and began to read.
"By decree of Her Majesty, Empress Mirian Althanis, Basileus Narciss is requested to share his skills and techniques in service of the Empire in order the teach her majesty. As compensation, a grant of 100,000 Guardian Coins and a selection from the Imperial Treasury shall be awarded."
Julie rolled the scroll back up and stepped aside.
Mirian rose from her throne, descending the marble steps with fluid grace. Her boots clicked lightly against the floor, each step echoing in the silent room.
She stopped just a few feet in front of Basil, forcing him to tilt his head ever so slightly to meet her gaze.
"I understand you have already agreed to this… arrangement," she said.
Basil nodded. "That's right."
"Do you know what's expected of you?"
"To teach you skills that no one else can. To provide assistance in the learning process, and to make sure you succeed. Also I'd like for you to send that 100,000 GC to the institution of Magic for a Zillah Vexley. We'll be done in 2 months you have my word— your majesty."
Mirian's lips twitched. "That's a lot of confidence, I hope you can back it up with action."
Basil shrugged. "I don't believe in false modesty."
Mirian chuckled softly, a musical sound that filled the throne room. Several nearby attendants looked shocked—few ever heard the Empress laugh.
"Good," she said, stepping back. "I hate false modesty too."
She turned slightly, motioning for them to follow. "Come. We'll speak privately."
Julie led Gyra, Lace, and Adian off to the side while Basil followed Mirian through a set of massive double doors into her private office.
———-
The Private Office
Unlike the throne room, Mirian's office was cozy and practical. Bookshelves lined the walls, filled with tomes on warfare, magic, and governance. Maps were pinned to a large oak desk in the center of the room.
Mirian dismissed the guards with a flick of her hand.
Basil walked to the center of the room and stood casually, hands in his pockets.
Mirian turned and faced him, folding her arms under her chest pushing her breasts slightly more together. Her golden accessories caught the lamplight, giving her a faint celestial glow.
For a moment, neither spoke. They simply studied each other.
It was Mirian who broke the silence.
"You know… most men would be terrified to be alone in a room with me."
Basil smiled. "Maybe they should be."
"And you're not?"
He stepped closer, his aura radiating calm strength. "With a smile like yours how could I, Ria." He whispered while leaning in.
Mirian blushed slightly and looked away "you know I could have your head for that right?" Crap he remembered.
"Then who'd teach you the skills you so desperately want."
She paced slowly around him, collecting herself and inspecting him like a general would inspect a prized warhorse.
"I've read the reports," she said. "You killed two Generals from the 48th and 47th Gates without support. You wield mana in ways that defy traditional Guardian laws. Your care free and don't care about anyone besides the ones your close to."
Basil said nothing, letting her speak.
"And yet…" she stopped in front of him, tilting her head. "…you chose to drop everything you were doing and come here just to teach me some skills? You're not a spy are you?"
"If I was why would I tell you? But no I'm not, and I didn't come here for the money or the treasury pick I came here because your the most important person in the empire and the most important person tends to have a lot of information. The only thing I need right now is information. So I figured while we train together over the next few months I'll ask as many questions as possible." Basil paused for a moment and grinned "Although I would have never guessed the most important person in the empire would wander the streets in the middle of the night looking for trouble."
Mirians eyes widened for a brief moment as she recalled the events from last night. "If it's information you want I can give it you, but you have to fully commit to teaching me! Also you handed me a dirty handkerchief last night and wiped mud off my face like a child. Why?"
Basil chuckled. "You looked like you needed a hand, and I didn't know you were the empress at the time."
"Now that you know would you have changed the way you treated me?" She asked shyly.
Basil winked "not one bit."
She took a steadying breath. "I have a lot riding on this training, Basileus. I have to keep getting stronger, the empires surrounded by enemies waiting to invade at any moment. Mortal and hells legion. it won't just be my people who suffer—it'll be the whole continent. War is coming. A war the likes of which none of us are as prepared for as I'd like."
Basil's easygoing demeanor softened. He could hear the conviction—the fear—in her voice.
"So," she said, stepping closer again, voice low and serious, "I need to know…"
She placed a hand lightly against his chest, feeling the faint thrum of mana beneath his skin.
"…can I place my trust in you?"
The question wasn't political. It wasn't royal. It was deeply personal.
Basil looked down at her hand, then met her gaze.
"You can trust me," he said simply. "I don't make promises lightly. If I give my word… I'll see it through."
For a heartbeat, they stood like that—silent, understanding passing between them.
Mirian withdrew her hand and nodded. "Good. Then I'll take my leave of absence and we'll start training imeaditly!"
—-
Meanwhile, in the Outer Hall…
Gyra was pacing nervously. "What do you think they're talking about in there?" she whispered.
"Probably politics," Lace muttered, arms crossed. Leaned against a wall.
Adian, still pink-faced from seeing the Empress earlier, leaned in conspiratorially. "I bet the Empress is beautiful from that close up." His mind wandered off at the thought.
Gyra elbowed him so hard he nearly toppled over.
"Get a grip!" she hissed, but she couldn't stop the tiny, irrational flare of worry that prickled her chest. Worry for Basil, worry that he'd say something dumb or act a certain way that would cause them all to get beheaded.
⸻
Back in the Office
Mirian walked over to her desk and picked up a thick, leather-bound ledger.
"These are the skills I wish to learn," she said, flipping it open and handing it to Basil.
Basil skimmed the list, raising an eyebrow.
"Mana control?" he mused. "Mana vision I guess? Phantom Step? Go away can't you tell I'm busy?" He whistled low. "You want to learn all of these in one go?"
Mirian grinned. "Why waste time?"
Basil closed the book with a snap. "Fine. But if we're doing this… we're doing it my way. I need to know just how strong you are do you have a training ground nearby?"
"Yes, we have the main dueling ground outdoors by the garden and my private one down in the dungeon. The one outdoors is more sturdy," Mirian replied.
"Perfect. Are you ready to start?" Basil asked.
"Let me change into something more appropriate, and I'll meet you at the dueling grounds. Ask Julie to show you the way while I change," she said.
"Okay, I'll see you there. And do me a favor—don't hold back. I need to accurately test your strength if I'm going to train you properly," Basil replied with a grin.
"Hmph. We'll see how much you can handle," she shot back.
"Yeah, yeah," Basil said, turning to leave her office.
Outside, Basil rejoined the group, only to be immediately swarmed with questions.
"What did you talk about? How did it go?" Gyra asked, circling around him like an excited puppy.
"Ah, nothing much. We just agreed to a duel—she's getting ready for it now," Basil said casually.
Julie, standing nearby, went pale as a ghost. Her lips moved but her voice was barely audible. "D-duel…? Did you say you agreed to a duel with Her Majesty?"
"Is that bad?" Lace asked, raising a brow. "I assume he proposed the idea to gauge her strength before training her."
"Well… the last person who dueled her ended up in the med bay for a month and a half. He refuses to even pick up a sword now," Julie said sheepishly.
"Was he just… weak?" Adian asked.
"No. He was the captain of the elite guard. Level 98, if I recall," Julie replied.
Lace's expression darkened slightly. I know Basil's strong… but can he really hold his own against someone that high? Even if he's talented, there's a big gap there…
"What level are you again?" Lace asked Basil.
"Seventy-five. But I'll be fine, trust me," Basil said confidently.
Julie looked skyward, mouth agape. "He's dead. He's absolutely dead," she whispered over and over.
Adian slapped a hand on Basil's shoulder with a big smile. "It was nice knowing ya."
"Haha, you all worry too much. Anyway, let's get going. Don't wanna keep her waiting," Basil said with a wink.
"Right this way," Julie muttered, leading them with a shell-shocked expression.
⸻
At the Dueling Grounds
They walked out to the courtyard and approached the royal dueling stages. One of them stood out—a reinforced platform surrounded by a shimmering barrier of defensive magic. Spectator stands rose around it like a miniature coliseum, complete with Althanis banners and a carved stone relief of the Empress at the entrance.
Basil grabbed his sword and stepped into the Arena.
The others found their seats near the center, where they had a clear view. Lace and Gyra sat calmly—though the tension was clear in their eyes. Julie slumped in her seat, muttering doomsday predictions. Adian, however, stood and waved like a boy at a tournament. "Kick her ass, Master Basil!"
Moments later, Mirian appeared—emerging from the tunnel connected to the palace armory. She wasn't wearing her usual ornate armor. Instead, she wore leather training gear that had seen plenty of use. Across her back was a large broadsword—not the same one leaned against her throne.
Basil greeted her with a respectful bow.
"Two rules," he said. "First—no use of skills. Second—first to draw blood wins."
Mirian smirked. "I like the second one." She stepped close to Basil, lowering her voice. "Looks like we've got a bit of an audience."
They both glanced toward the rapidly filling stands. Word had clearly spread. Advisors, nobles, guards—even maids and servants—peeked from the windows above in the palace, watching the Empress prepare to duel a stranger.
Mirian leaned in closer. "Let's make it interesting. If I win, you become my personal assistant. You'll do whatever I say. If you win I'll grant you one favor."
Basil chuckled, leaning in just as close. "Bit one-sided, don't you think? If I win, I get a favor. And… you agree to one thing I ask. No matter what it is. Deal?"
Mirian flushed slightly. "And what kind of thing are we talking about?"
"Guess you'll just have to find out," he said with a wink, walking to his corner.
Mirian rolled her eyes, hiding a smile, and turned toward her own side.
From the stands, Lace watched the exchange with narrowed eyes. What are they saying? I can't tell with this sound proof barrier…
The two fighters took their stances.
Then—like lightning—they moved.
To the average spectator, it was a blur of sparks and air pressure. But to those with sharp eyes and high in level, it was a deadly exchange of masterful swordplay. Blades clashed in flashes of steel, feet slid across reinforced stone, and the arena trembled with the force of their strikes.
Lace leaned forward. They're… evenly matched? No! Basil has the upper hand!
In the ring, Basil grinned. "Still holding back. I told you to go all out."
"Hmph. Don't regret it later," Mirian said—and this time, she unleashed more power. Her movements became faster, her strikes heavier.
Basil felt the shift and met her head-on.
He parried a downward swing, then kicked her backward. Mirian caught herself, roared, and came charging back. Her blade came down in a slashing motion with lethal grace. Basil evaded the swing and dashed past her.
They froze. Back to back.
"You win."
[]
End of chapter notes:
Stats Window:
- Name: Basileus Narciss
- Age: 22 (639)
- Level: 75
- Job: Eldritch knight
- Title: Goddess's Guardian
- HP: 200/200
- Mana: 33,000/33,000
- STR: 205
- VIT: 80
- INT: 170
- AGI: 112
- PER: 60
- XP to Next Level: 25,300/30,000
- stat points available: 0
- Skill Points Available: 0
Skills Window:
Basic:
- Innocence (F)
- The King (A)
- Swordsmanship (S)
- Mana Control (SSS)
- Charisma (F)
- Crafting (B)
- Longsword Mastery (S)
- Mana Manipulation (F)
- Rune Knowledge (B)
- Healing (C)
- Scholar (A)
- Mana Vision I Guess (C)
- phantom step (E)
- mana slash (D)
- Earth spike (B)
- body reinforcement (D)
- Kneel (F)
- nova bomb (A)
- Mana regeneration (S+)
- poison resistance (E)
- GO AWAY CAN'T YOU TELL I'M BUSY' (A)
Unique:
- Immortality (EX)
- Oversight View (EX)
- Haggle (SS)
- Misfortune (D)
Inventory
- HP Potions x1997
- MP Potions x2000
- Winter Clothes (B)
- Summer Clothes (B)
- bread x100
- jerky x100
- piece of Tess (Removed)
- piece of Rob (Removed)
- piece of Lark (Removed)
- abomination horn x10 (S+)
- jagged dagger (?)
- mana sword (?)
Gold: 60,504
GC: 4,800
Notes
The reason Basil acts the way he does towards authority is because during the first war most government's crumbled do to constant invasions from the gates. Basil was regarded as an authority figure since he lead most of the main attacks and hence was treated as a king growing him accustom to being a top dog.